Ongoing problems could force Corporal V.F.W. Post 8758 in South Troy to close - VIDEO

By Andrew Beam

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

TROY -- A Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in South Troy is now in danger of closing after earning enough nuisance abatement points in a two year time span, which accrued from instances such as overcrowding in the bar, noise complaints and brawls in front of the establishment.

During a joint meeting of the South Troy neighborhood groups, Community Police Officer Jason Valente informed those in attendance that Corporal William A. Dickerson V.F.W. Post 8758, located at 305 First St., had accrued nine nuisance abatement points since September, nearly assuring there would be more.

"They'll dig their own grave," Valente said. "It's happening."

And it did. According to Captain John Cooney, the Post was issued another ticket for a noise violation early Saturday morning, as Officer Kyle Jones noted music was played "at an unreasonable level" and was disturbing neighbors. Cooney said this brought the total of points to 12, forcing the department to forward the issue to the city's Corporation Counsel on Tuesday to consider for a hearing.

"Traditionally, they have large crowds that bring them over the occupancy limit," Cooney said. "It's fair to say they have hosted late night events which brought with them an unruly crowd. That's been the neighbors' concerns and we hear about these on a semi-frequent basis."

Senior Vice and House Chairman of the post, Thurmond Holmes, readily admitted there have been issues with the Post due to the type of crowd coming in. Holmes said the Post has changed requirements for type of people they allow in, even upping the age limit to 25.

What has also changed, though, is that the post not only allows members to sponsor people, but also admits non-members. Holmes explained that if it only allowed its members in the establishment, then there would be less than 15 people coming in. He admitted that policy might contribute to the problem. Holmes also said he was informed by police that many of the tags on the vehicles parked outside the Post belong to Albany and Schenectady residents, which he believes adds to the problem.

"It could have because you get certain people in here and they don't care," Holmes said. "People get the least amount of liquor in their system and it sets them off."

Holmes, whose name is on the bar's liquor license, mainly because he said most of the other members have a police record, said he barely even comes down to the Post anymore because of the police presence, which he said has kept other members from coming down as well.

Police are regularly stopping by the bar, Holmes said, and when he is working, he is more than happy to accommodate them. Still, he believes some police officers, most notably the younger ones on the force, don't necessarily give the whole story.

Holmes also said it is difficult to manage people hanging outside the bar. He said that while the Post would even call the police to let them know a fight was occurring, the blame is still placed on the bar.

But Holmes said he wasn't going to say everyone in the police department was bad, as, again, he believes the Post has been to blame many times. He even went as far to say he would be relieved if it closes and the liquor license runs out.

"I wouldn't be so upset," Holmes said. "I feel for the people who come here a lot. They feel like it's their only place to go."

Sonia "Sonny" Loomis, co-coordinator of the Osgood South End Neighborhood Watch, said the group doesn't want to see that or any V.F.W. Post close, but said its members need to correct the problems and be a part of the community. She believes the Post needs to have a sense of control of what occurs outside and to network with other bars to find a solution to the problem.

Loomis even said there are talks of having Osgood businesses as a topic on the agenda so business owners could be a part of the conversation since it is their neighborhood, too.

"The general approach is not looking to get rid of anyone," Loomis said. "I believe the more of a mixed group you have, the better it is."